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name: prompt-clarifier description: | WHEN: Ambiguous prompts, vague requirements, missing context, unclear instructions WHAT: Ambiguity detection + AskUserQuestion clarification + Interactive option selection WHEN NOT: Clear detailed instructions → proceed directly

Prompt Clarifier Skill

Purpose

Detects ambiguous prompts and asks clarification questions using AskUserQuestion with interactive selections.

When to Use

Activate when:

1. Prompt seems ambiguous or lacks necessary details
2. User wants to create/build something without specifying technical details
3. Vague instructions like "fix this", "optimize", or "improve" without context
4. Excessive pronouns ("this", "that", "it") without clear references

Detection Criteria

Consider prompt ambiguous if it:

• Is very short (< 5 words) and lacks context
• Mentions project type without specifying:
  • Technology stack
  • Main features
  • Project scope
• Contains optimization requests without specifying aspect:
  • Performance/speed
  • Memory usage
  • Code readability
  • Bundle size
• References code/files without paths
• Uses vague verbs without specifying target

Workflow

Step 1: Acknowledge

Briefly acknowledge what the user is asking for.

Step 2: Use AskUserQuestion

Present targeted questions with multiple-choice options.

Example Question Patterns:

For missing tech stack:

AskUserQuestion: "Which tech stack would you like to use?"
Options:
- React + TypeScript + Node.js
- Vue + JavaScript + Express
- Vanilla JS + Python + FastAPI
- I'll specify manually

For missing features:

AskUserQuestion: "Select main features (multiple selection)"
Options:
- User auth/login
- Database CRUD
- File upload
- Real-time (WebSocket)
- Payment system
- Admin dashboard
multiSelect: true

For vague optimization:

AskUserQuestion: "What type of optimization do you need?"
Options:
- Execution speed/performance
- Memory usage reduction
- Bundle size reduction
- Code readability

For project scope:

AskUserQuestion: "What's the project scale?"
Options:
- Simple prototype/MVP
- Medium-scale project
- Large enterprise-level
- Not sure (recommend for me)

Step 3: Provide Guidance

After receiving answers, proceed with enhanced context.

Response Template

When detecting ambiguity:

1. Acknowledge: "Got it. I'll help you with [request]."
2. Explain: "To provide better results, I have a few questions."
3. Ask: Use AskUserQuestion with relevant options
4. Proceed: Start implementation with full context

Examples

Example 1: Vague Web Project

User: "Build me a website"

Response:

Got it. I'll help you build a website.
For better results, I have a few questions.

[Use AskUserQuestion]
1. Tech stack selection
2. Main features selection
3. Project scope

[After answers, proceed with implementation]

Example 2: Vague Optimization

User: "Optimize this code"

Response:

I'll help optimize your code.
First, let me understand what type of optimization you need.

[Use AskUserQuestion for optimization type]
[Ask for file path if not specified]

[Proceed with targeted optimization]

Best Practices

1. Keep questions focused: Ask only what's necessary
2. Provide sensible defaults: Include common choices
3. Allow custom input: Include "Other" option
4. Be conversational: Don't make it feel like a form
5. Group related questions: Ask related questions together
6. Proceed efficiently: Once you have enough context, start working

Integration with Hook

Works with UserPromptSubmit hook. When you see:

<!-- VIBE CODING ASSISTANT: PROMPT CLARIFICATION NEEDED -->

Automatically activate this skill and use AskUserQuestion.

Notes

• Enhances vibe coding by ensuring sufficient context
• Interactive selections make it easy to provide details
• Don't ask unnecessary questions if prompt is clear